05-05-1998 - Regular Meeting - Minutes•
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
May 5, 1998
The regular meeting of the West Covina City Council was called to order by Mayor Melendez at 7:37
pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina. The invocation was
given by Interim City Manager Glover and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tern Herfert.
ROLL CALL Mayor Melendez, Mayor Pro Tem Herfert, Councilmembers
Howard, Touhey, Wong
Others Present: Glover, Collier, Mayer, Collins, McIsaac, Fong, Bommarito,
Pullin, Bonaparte, Samaniego, Tucker, Francis, Ellis, Greene, Paul,
Pidgeon, Morgan, Berry
PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Melendez introduced the members of the West Covina 71"
Birthday Celebration Committee.
Mayor Melendez presented a Certificate of Commendation to Mr.
James W. Labadie as the recipient of this year's Outstanding Older
American. Mr. Labadie also received the proclamation pro-
claiming the month of May as OLDER AMERICANS MONTH.
Mayor Melendez proclaimed May 17 — 23 as LOVE IN MOTION
WEEK and presented the proclamation to Helen Arellano,
Executive Director of Love Inc.
Mayor Melendez proclaimed May 16 as STOP THE VIOLENCE
DAY and presented the proclamation to Gary Lawson, Chief
Executive Officer of Future America.
Mayor Melendez presented a proclamation to Phil Liff-Grieff,
Executive Director of the Jewish Federation, recognizing the
STATE OF ISRAEL'S 50TI ANNIVERSARY.
HEARING PROPOSED MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT ADOPT-
ING LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEALTH ORDINANCE
RELATING TO FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
Councilmember Wong stated that he would abstain from the dis-
cussion and vote on this matter due to conflict of interest laws.
Ordinance re food establishments This hearing was opened at the Council meeting of April 7 h and
continued until this evening. Environmental Management Director
Samaniego presented the staff report. He introduced Joe Nash,
Manager of the Health Department, West Covina branch. Mr.
Nash responded to several Council questions, particularly the
question regarding the County's reinspection fee that will be set
sometime in June or July by the County Board of Supervisors.
Public Testimony Mayor Melendez asked for public comment and the following
addressed Council:
Audrey Lynberg Audrey Lynberg, 1311 Golden Vista Drive, urged Council
to move forward with the adoption of the Los Angeles County
health ordinance.
Tami Klenck Tami Klenck, 609 S. Magnolia, was also supportive of the
proposed code amendment, incorporating the County's ordinance.
Council Minutes of 5/5/98
•
Testimony closed There being no others wishing to address Council, Mayor
Melendez closed the public testimony portion of the hearing and
commenced Council discussion.
Mr. Nash responded to Council's questions regarding types of
violations in relation to the grading/ranking given by the health
inspectors and the temporary closure of food establishments.
Council discussed whether to move forward with the introduction
of the ordinance at this point or wait until the County Board of
Supervisors settles on the fine structure. Mayor Melendez stated
that he was ready to move forward this evening with the ordinance
introduction.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to hold over the matter
until after the County Board of Supervisors has set the fine
amounts. Motion carried 3-1-1 with Melendez voting no and
Wong abstaining (conflict of interest).
HEARING PUBLIC NUISANCE ABATEMENT HEARING
Locations: 1514 E. Marbury Street
Pool Nuisances 814 E. Barbara Avenue
124 S. Larimore Avenue
City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of posting and mailing.
Mayor Melendez opened the hearing and the staff report was
presented by Acting Planning Director McIsaac.
Public Testimonv Mayor Melendez opened the public testimony portion of the
hearing and asked for comments. No one addressed the City
None Council and Mayor Melendez closed the public testimony portion
Testimony Closed of the hearing.
City Clerk presented:
Resolution 9563 - RESOLUTION NO. 9563 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
1514 E. Marbury Street CITY COUNCIL OF „ THE CITY OF WEST COVINA,
CALIFORNIA, DECLARING THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
1514 EAST MARBURY STREET A PUBLIC NUISANCE
Resolution 9564 - RESOLUTION NO. 9564 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
814 E. Barbara Avenue CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, DECLARING THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 814
EAST BARBARA AVENUE A PUBLIC NUISANCE
Resolution 9565 - RESOLUTION NO. 9565 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
1224 S. Larimore Avenue CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, DECLARING THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1224
SOUTH LARIMORE AVENUE A PUBLIC NUISANCE
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to waive
further reading of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried 5-0.
CONSENT CALENDAR Written Communications (none received)
Commissions' Summary of Actions (receive & file
Community Services .... 4/14/98, 4/15/98, 4/23/98
Planning 4/28/98
Senior Citizens' 4/09/98
Waste Mgmt/Environmental Quality 4/16/98
F]
Council Minutes of 5/5/98
Traffic Committee Minutes (accept & file)
Regular meeting of April 21, 1998.
Ordinance for Adoption (waive reading & adopt)
Ordinance 2015 - ORDINANCE NO. 2015 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE
• Administrative Fines CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 15, ARTICLE XI TO THE WEST
COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING A PRO-
CEDURE FOR IMPOSING AND COLLECTING ADMINIS-
TRATIVE FINES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE WEST COVINA
MUNICIPAL CODE
City Treasurer's Report (receive & file)
Report for the month of April, 1998.
Award of Bids
TS 98120 — Valinda Avenue and Summerplace Drive
TS 98120 - Recommendation is to take the following actions:
Macadee Electrical a) Authorize a transfer of $12,000 in Gas Tax (126) Funds
from TS 96109 to TS 98120 and a transfer of $50,000 in Capital
Projects Funds from TS 91115 to TS 98120.
b) Approve a waiver of competitive bidding procedures and
authorize the purchase of a traffic signal cabinet and controller
from IDC Traconex/Multisonics in a total amount of $14,420.00
plus tax.
c) Accept the bid of Macadee Electrical Construction in the
amount of $92,225.00 as submitted at the bid opening of 4/28/98
and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract.
Purchase and Installation of Foam Proportioning Systems for Two
Fire Engines
Foam Systems - Recommendation is to a) find that through the formal bid process
FireBann FireBann has provided the lowest quote to Bid No. 988-002 and
has complied with all specifications, and b) authorize the purchase
and installation of two foam proportioning systems from FireBann
at a cost not to exceed $25,998 plus tax.
Miscellaneous — Public Works
West Covina Citywide Sewer Service Charge
Recommendation is to adopt the following resolution and set July
7 as the public hearing date:
Resolution 9566 - RESOLUTION NO. 9566 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
Sewer Service Charge CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
(public hearing: 7/7) FORNIA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO COLLECT THE
ANNUAL SEWER SERVICE CHARGE THROUGH THE
COUNTY TAX BILL AND SETTING A DATE FOR A PUBLIC
HEARING THEREON (Public Hearing: July 7, 1998)
Miscellaneous — Police Department
Transfer Request Relating to 1996-98 BJA Grant
BJA Instructors Recommendation is to approve the transfer of funds $20,000 from
130-304-2144-5111to 130-304-2144-5112.
3
Council Minutes of 5/5/98
Resolution 9567 -
Agreement between City and
American Capital
Miscellaneous — Planning Department
Project Status and Property Maintenance issues at 1225 and 1231
S. Shadydale Ave., Tentative Parcel Map No. 24625
Recommendation is to receive and file the staff report.
Miscellaneous — Redevelopment Agency
HOME Funds
Recommendation is to waive reading and adopt the following
resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 9567 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, APPROVING A COOPERATION AGREEMENT BY
AND BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE WEST COVINA
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND APPROVING A LOAN
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY,
THE AGENCY, AND AMERICAN CAPITAL FINANCIAL
CORPORATION
CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION Motion by Herfert and seconded by Howard to waive further
reading of the resolutions and ordinance, and to adopt, and to
approve all other items listed on the Consent Calendar, except: B-
6a (traffic signal at Valinda/Summerplace) and B-7d (HOME
funds). Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Howard, Touhey, Wong, Melendez
NOES: None
Item B-6a Mayor Pro Tem Herfert commented that the traffic signal was
needed and happy it would soon be in place. Motion by Herfert
and seconded by Touhey to approve the recommendation for B-6a.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item B-3a Dr. Prescott, American Dental Group at 436 N. Sunset Avenue,
addressed the Traffic Committee Minutes relative to parking
restrictions near his dental practice. Upon conclusion of his com-
ments and staffs response, Council rescinded their previous
approval of the Traffic Committee recommendation and referred
the matter back to the Traffic Committee.
Traffic signal request Barney McBride, 1525 Sheffield Avenue, presented a petition of
neighborhood residents adjacent to the crosswalk at Pima and
Cameron. Traffic on Cameron is dangerous to the school children
and the crossing guard during the morning and afternoon hours.
The petition seeks a traffic signal at that intersection.
The matter was referred to the Traffic Committee.
Item B-7d Mark McDonough, 1002 S. Terri Ann Drive, complained about the
HOME Fund program process. He said the silent mortgage
company that the City is using (American Capital) requires that the
first mortgage be obtained through them. He said that as a West
Covina resident and a mortgage broker, the City should be
interested in having him do the job. Further Council discussion.
Mr. Yoshizaki responded that the process is complicated
and requires experience. Gabriel Garza, president of American
Capital, explained their process. Mr. Yoshizaki stated that there are
only 10 to 12 loans given each year. At Councilmember Touhey's
request, the RDA staff would review it by the next period.
City Clerk Berry read the heading of the resolution.
Motion by Howard and seconded by Wong to waive further
reading and adopt. Motion carried 5-0.
4
Council Minutes of 5/5/98
Recess Mayor Melendez called a recess at 9:23 pm. The City Council
reconvened at 9:43 pm with all members present.
PUBLIC WORKS No reports for this meeting.
® ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
PROPOSAL TO CREATE A BKK LANDFILL PERPETUAL
BKK Perpetual Maintenance Mayor Pro Tem Herfert stated that he would abstain from the
discussion and vote on this issue due to conflict of interest laws.
Environmental Management Director Samaniego presented
the staff report. He stated that special counsel would be submitting
a report in the near future about continued maintenance at the site.
Also, the City is awaiting a response to a similar question from the
Department of Toxic Substance and Control.
Motion by Howard and seconded by Touhey to hold over
this item until the City receives a report from special counsel and
the state. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Herfert abstaining.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING ADMINISTRATIVE FINES
Acting Planning Director McIsaac presented the staff report.
Councilmember Wong suggested changing the language in the
existing ordinance relative to trash cans "in view" to language
indicating that the trash cans should be away from the curb by a
certain amount of feet.
City Clerk presented:
Resolution 9568 - RESOLUTION NO. 9568 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
Administrative Fines CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING ADMINISTRATIVE FINES
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ORDINANCE NO.
2915
Motion by Wong and seconded by Howard to waive further
reading of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried 5-0.
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Mayor Melendez recessed the City Council meeting at 10:15 pm to
convene the Redevelopment Agency. The City Council was
reconvened at 10:20 pm.
PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
Mayor Melendez recessed the City Council meeting at 10:21 pm to
convene the Public Financing Authority. The City Council was
reconvened at 10:25 pm.
isCOMMUNITY SERVICES 1) ESTABLISHMENT OF A BUDGET ACCOUNT FOR
75Tu DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION
Community Services Director Collins presented the staff
report. Members of the 7h Birthday Celebration Commit-
tee presented a report addressing the celebration and
budgetary plans:
Council Minutes of 5/5/98
Ed Casanova Ed Casanova, 809 Avington Avenue
Bill Roe Bill Roe, 1510 Newcrest Drive
Dan Robinson 360-K Orlando Way, Covina
Ms. Collins modified the recommendation to appropriate
$31,000 from the unappropriated Business Improvement
Tax fund, which currently has a balance over $350,000.
Motion by Howard and seconded by Wong to
• approve the recommendation as modified. Motion carried
5-0.
2) OPTIONS FOR OPERATING THE
EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Equestrain Center Community Services Director Collins presented the
staff report, noting that a letter was recently received from
Valencia Heights Water District. The letter stated that
effective June 1, 1998, Valencia Heights will exercise their
90-day termination notice and they plan to sell the property,
lease it back to the City for fair market value, or look for
other alternatives. Based on that letter, staff is
recommending that the City continue to work with the
Ridge Riders Agreement until the land use issue is
resolved.
Councilmember Wong stated that due to conflict of
interest laws, he would abstain on the discussion and vote
on this issue.
John King John King, 657 S. Chaparro, Covina, a member of the
Ridge Riders Club, stated that his group would be happy to
continue working with City staff.
Shelly Sanderson Shelly Sanderson, 2743 Vanderhoof Drive, favored a multi-
purpose facility for anyone in the community to use.
Tina Clippinger Tina Clippinger, 737 Quail Valley Lane, member of several
equestrian clubs, encouraged the City to keep the center
open for all.
Jan Rainey Jan Rainey, 2807 E. Vanderhoof Drive, would not like to
see the City lose the facility. She suggested the City
contact various horse organizations for a new operator.
3)
Cultural Arts Commission
Mayor Pro Tern Herfert noted that Valencia Heights Water
District apparently wants to get out of their lease with the
City. It is a valuable facility and would like it in the City.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to
direct the Council subcommittee (Touhey and Howard) to
meet with Valencia Heights Water District to explore the
options. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Wong abstaining.
Community Services
report.
Collins presented the staff
City Clerk Berry presented:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
CREATING A CULTURAL ARTS AND SPECIAL
EVENTS COMMISSION UNDER CHAPTER 2,
DIVISION 5, OF THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL
CODE
N
Council Minutes of 5/5/98
Robert Klenck
Tami Klenck
Bill Roe
Grace Barrios
Helena Redondo
Gloria Vargas
Cultural Arts & Special Events
Committee
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to
waive further reading of the ordinance and introduce.
Lengthy Council discussion ensued, followed by comments
from:
Robert Klenck, 609 S. Magnolia
Tami Klenck, 609 S. Magnolia
Bill Roe, 1510 Newcrest Drive
Grace Barrios, 3401 S. Sentous Avenue
Helena Redondo, 1117 W. Workman Avenue
Gloria Vargas, 1915 S. Summerplace Drive
Mayor Pro Tem Herfert agreed with the point Ms. Redondo
made in that the City could not raise funds; however, a
community -based committee could. It would be better to
have a staff liaison to the committee. He withdrew his
previous motion to waive reading of the ordinance and
introduce. Motion by Herfert and seconded by Wong to
direct staff to designate a liaison to facilitate a Cultural Arts
Committee. Motion carried 5-0.
Recess Mayor Melendez recessed the City Council meeting at 11:28 pm.
The City Council reconvened at 11:40 pm with all members
present.
Mayor Melendez stated that he had received a request to consider
the Fire Department's staff report next, and he moved it forward.
FIRE DEPARTMENT AMBULANCE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Ambulance Transportation The staff report was presented by Fire Chief Greene and Battalion
Chief Janis. Staff responded to questions relating to fee levels,
cost -recovery amounts, service and response standards of the
ambulance company versus the Fire Department.
Richard Kaumph Richard Kaumph, Fire-Med Coordinator, Huntington Beach,
explained the Huntington Beach program which has worked very
well for several years and which West Covina Fire Department is
modeling. He explained their collection issues and that third party
payers, such as health insurance companies, pay for most of the
paramedic fees and ambulance transport fees and those fees are
collected by a third party agency.
Manny Galvez Manny Galvez, Cole -Schaefer Ambulance Company, presented the
steps taken by Cole -Schaefer during the RFP process and reminded
Council of the company's fine 30-year service to the City.
Fran Dowling Fran Dowling, Cole -Schaefer Ambulance Company, questioned
the figures presented by the Fire Chief and Battalion Chief
regarding salaries, benefits, etc.
Jim Karras Jim Karras, Cole -Schaefer Ambulance Company, noted that Cole -
Schaefer has given outstanding service to the City. Cole -Schaefer
included a revenue sharing concept in their RFP.
Carl Johnson Carl Johnson, 329 N. Orange Avenue, stated that the Fire Chief s
report outlines the advantages to the community and urged
Council's support on the proposal.
7
Council Minutes of 5/5/98
El
Nancy Rubio Nancy Rubio, 908 E. Cameron Avenue, spoke highly of transfer-
ring ambulance transportation services to the City's Fire Depart-
ment.
Ziad Alhassen Ziad Alhassen, 100 N. Barranca Street, felt cost was not an issue,
but higher service levels and quicker response times were the
important issues surrounding the proposal.
Council comments Mayor Melendez asked for a motion and then discussion on the
motion would follow.
Motion Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to authorize
the Fire Department to implement the proposed public/private
ambulance plan for emergency medical transport and serve notice
to AMR and Schaefer Ambulance of our intent to cancel the
current contract.
Mayor Pro Tern Herfert and Councilmember Touhey acknow-
ledged Cole-Schaefer's service in the City, but the story facing the
City at the present time is economics. The Fire Department feels
they can provide even better service to the residents and Council's
obligation is to the residents.
Councilmember Wong expressed some concern about the change
in direction from the last staff report and the figures contained in
Appendix A, causing him to be a little reluctant to move forward
with the program.
Councilmember Howard stated that she could not support the
proposal at this time being concerned with the initial outlay of
about $72,000 when the City is having to find $1.7 million caused
by the defeat of Measure C. She suggested that since this is going
to be a very tough monetary year for us, we maintain the status quo
with Cole -Schaefer and revisit this at a later time.
Mayor Melendez stated that the Fire Department can recover more
than the initial outlay in the same fiscal year and provide better
response time, then it would be very good to move forward with
the proposal.
Action on motion Mayor Melendez called for the vote on the motion. The motion
carried 3-1-1 with Howard voting no and Wong abstaining.
POLICE DEPARTMENT 1) RESOLUTION AND ORDINANCE DEALING WITH
THE REGULATION OF EPHEDRINE PURCHASES
Council concurred on holding this item over until the next
regular City Council meeting of May 19, 1998.
2) TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES
Council concurred on holding this item over until the next
regular City Council meeting of May 19, 1998.
APPROVAL OF DEMANDS Motion by Herfert and seconded by Melendez to approve Demands
totaling $1,066,539.57 as listed on check registers FI 177496
through 177880. Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Howard, Touhey, Wong, Melendez
NOES: None
0
Y
Council Minutes of 5/5/98
•
Legal Services Audit
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
Resolution 9569 -
4/28/98 Election Results
LEGAL REPRESENTATION AUDIT
Mayor Pro Tern Herfert elaborated on the staff report.
Ziad Alhassen, 100 N. Barranca Street, suggested areas that
should be included in the review of legal services and costs.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to direct staff
to prepare an RFP for auditing legal services performed for the
City. Motion carried 5-0.
SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION RESULTS
City Clerk Berry elaborated on the staff report and presented:
RESOLUTION NO. 9569 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, RECITING THE FACTS OF THE SPECIAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON APRIL 28, 1998,
DECLARING THE RESULTS AND OTHER SUCH MATTERS
ARE PROVIDED BY LAW
Motion by Wong and seconded by Touhey to waive further
reading of the resolution and to adopt. Motion carried 5-0.
COMMUNITY SERVICES (CONTINUED)
4) PE
Council reviewed the
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to
direct staff to solicit proposals for the repainting and
detailing of the shuttles using the graphics in Design "A."
Motion carried 5-0.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Melendez announced the West Covina Veterans' Memorial
Dedication Ceremony. It has been scheduled for 11:00 am on
Sunday, May 31, and will be held in the courtyard at City Hall. A
reception will follow the dedication ceremony at the West Covina
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8620, located at 2328 W. Merced
Avenue.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
PROPOSED BUDGET STUDY SESSION CALENDAR
Council reviewed the staff report and concurred on 6:00 pm in the
Management Resource Center on May 11, 1998, as the first study
session for the Annual Fiscal Year 1998/99 Budget.
PERSONNEL SERVICES
REORGANIZATION OF THE RISK MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM
• Council concurred on holding this matter over until the next
regular City Council meeting of May 19, 1998.
MAYOR'S REPORTS No reports for this meeting.
T
Council Minutes of 5/5/98
I
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/CITY COMMISSION MEETING
This matter was held over until the next regular City Council
meeting of May 19, 1998.
Council agreed to recognize Hollingworth School of the Rowland
Unified School District for being selected as a recipient of the
California Distinguished School Award. Staff to request Principal
Kathy Carter to attend a Council meeting and accept Council's
appreciation and praise.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to adjourn the meeting
at 2:07 am. Motion carried 54
Attest:
City Clerk -Janet Berry
Mayor Richard
10